Download This PaperImmigrant Status and the Value of Statistical Life
36 Pages Posted: 25 Apr 2009 Last revised: 27 Nov 2012
Date Written: April 22, 2009
Abstract
Using data from the Current Population Survey and the New Immigrant Survey, this paper examines the common perception that immigrants are concentrated in high risk jobs for which they receive little wage compensation. Compared to native U.S. workers, non-Mexican immigrants are not at higher risk and have substantial values of statistical life. However, Mexican immigrants incur much higher fatality risks than native U.S. workers and do not receive wage compensation for these risks. Mexican immigrants who do not understand English fare especially poorly. The evidence is consistent with Mexican immigrants facing different wage offer curves.
Keywords: value of statistical life, immigrants, fatality risks, risk, compensating differentials, immigration, Mexican immigrants
JEL Classification: J17, J31, J61
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Joni Hersch (Contact Author)
Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )
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Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management
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United States
W. Kip Viscusi
Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )
131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States
615-343-7715 (Phone)
615-322-5953 (Fax)
Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management
401 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
United States
(615) 343-7715 (Phone)
(615) 343-5953 (Fax)
HOME PAGE: http://business.vanderbilt.edu/bio/w-kip-viscusi/
Vanderbilt University - Strategy and Business Economics
Nashville, TN 37203
United States